Cheltenham’s November annual meeting takes place this weekend starting with Countryside Day on Friday, followed by Super Saturday and Carnival Sunday.
Looking ahead to the action, Ash Symonds spoke on his anticipated races and which horses he would be keeping a keen eye on.
“It’s tricky, I think this season has started a bit slowly mainly because of the grounds. The trainers haven’t been able to get runs into horses which they probably would’ve wanted to. The recent news that L’eau Du Sud is out for the season is a shame, he would’ve been a nice horse to see in the chase.
“It’ll be interesting to see if Jonbon goes, his Cheltenham record isn’t the best in the world, he was beaten in the race last year, does he need that run? I suppose it would be nice to see him come out and run the Shloer.”
Saturday’s fourth race of the afternoon sees 41 horses run in the Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase scheduled for 14:20.
“I like a horse called Zurich, trained by Henry De Bromhead, that could be quite a nice each way play for those looking for a bit of value, he’s got some nice form around the track and he’s had a run which I think is key for the Paddy Power Gold Cup. You want to be coming into it fit, there’s a lot of horses who will be having their first run in that race.”
The final day of action will host six races with Symonds highlighting the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Chase.
“Idaho Sun will be taking a fair beat of beating in that, he still runs quite nicely for a Grade 1 winner. Harry Fry has been targeting him towards this race for a while out and if he’s ready and raring to go, which i think he should be, he could be quite hard to beat.”
Idaho Sun holds an entry in the @UnibetRacing Greatwood Handicap Hurdle on Sunday 15th November 👀 Here’s a look back at his last run at @AintreeRaces 🙌🏼 https://t.co/WQDmtdiq5w
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) November 7, 2026
